IT News
Imphal, Feb 14:
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has strongly opposed the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, calling it an undemocratic move. COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba stated that the decision, taken despite the BJP holding an absolute majority, appeared to be a deliberate attempt to push Manipur into further turmoil rather than addressing the state’s pressing issues.
Athouba alleged that the sudden and forced resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the dead of night, just before a crucial state assembly session, without a proper explanation to the people, was a betrayal of democratic principles. He questioned whether the decision was truly made in the best interest of the public or was a calculated political move to worsen the ongoing crisis. He further pointed out that the imposition of President’s Rule without even selecting an alternative leader had created unnecessary instability, leaving the state’s governance in uncertainty.
COCOMI also expressed concerns that the move was in alignment with the longstanding demands of Kuki militants and separatist groups, who had been advocating for AFSPA and President’s Rule in Manipur. Athouba accused the central government of using the crisis to manipulate the situation in its favor, putting the security and democratic rights of the people, particularly the Meetei community, at risk.
Criticizing the BJP legislators in Manipur, Athouba stated that their failure to elect a new leader, despite holding a majority, exposed their lack of genuine concern for public welfare. He claimed that instead of ensuring a smooth democratic transition, the BJP MLAs had surrendered their responsibilities, allowing the central leadership to impose President’s Rule under the guise of a leadership crisis.
He further accused them of being driven by personal ambitions rather than the interests of the people, stating that their political inaction had effectively handed Manipur’s future to external forces.
COCOMI has demanded an immediate and time-bound process to elect a new leader and restore an elected government. Athouba warned that failure to do so would make BJP MLAs directly accountable to the people for their political irresponsibility and betrayal. He urged the people of Manipur to remain vigilant and united against any attempt to subjugate them under military control.
Stating that the current crisis was not just about leadership but about the future of Manipur’s democratic rights, COCOMI called upon the public to stand against the injustice and demand the immediate restoration of a legitimate government.
